Nicolás Rivas Peláez
High School Principal
Tegucigalpa
Summary
I’ve always believed that great education starts with curiosity and empathy. Over the past 25 years, I’ve followed that belief through classrooms, leadership teams, and international projects—all while staying rooted in my passion for math, technology, and people. From teaching in Colombia to working online with students in China, and now leading the high school division at DelCampo School in Honduras, I’ve built my career around creating spaces where students and teachers feel inspired, supported, and challenged.
As a school leader, I thrive on connecting strategy with heart. Whether designing schedules, managing budgets, or hiring the right people, I enjoy building systems that support meaningful learning. I’m also a firm believer in the power of innovation—I’ve launched math podcasts, hosted educational TV shows, and led projects that combine AI and neuroscience with classroom practice. I’m certified in child protection (certificate valid through Feb 2027), and as the father of a teenage daughter (Beautiful Sarita, 16 years old), I strongly commit to being the kind of role model I want my students to have. I’m now excited to join a school community where diversity, creativity, and global thinking come together to shape what education can—and should—be. Knowledgeable High School Principal with a robust background in educational leadership and strategic planning. Proven track record of fostering academic excellence and improving student outcomes. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire faculty, along with strong skills in curriculum development and conflict resolution.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Languages
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work History
High School Principal
DelCampo School
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
07.2022 - Current
- As a member of the leadership team at DelCampo School, I contributed to several key initiatives aimed at enhancing academic performance, student development, and teacher collaboration:
- 6-Day Rotating Schedule: Played a key role in the implementation of a 6-day rotating schedule to maximize instructional time, reduce the impact of holidays, and provide regular opportunities for teachers to meet with their academic departments.
- Co-Curricular Clubs: Participated in the creation of Co-Curricular clubs, allowing students to explore new activities in sports and academics during the school day. These clubs include both student-led and teacher-driven initiatives.
- Student Code of Conduct & Digital Citizenship: Assisted in the revision and update of the student code of conduct, and the creation of a digital citizenship manual to guide students in responsible online behavior.
- Parent Engagement on Social Media: Took part in discussions with parents regarding the responsible use of social media, helping them navigate their role as guardians of teenagers in a digital world.
- "Call of the Wildcat" Newsletter: Contributed to the launch of a monthly newsletter aimed at keeping parents and students informed about important school events and updates.
- Protocols and Formats: Helped develop essential protocols such as the absence responsibility form for students on trips, and the academic trip format, and reinstated department heads to improve communication and leadership within academic areas. Also contributed to the implementation of the bell-to-bell no cell phone policy to minimize distractions and encourage academic focus during the school day.
- Curriculum Development: Played a part in introducing the Illustrative Mathematics (IM) and CommonLit360 curricula for math and English, respectively. Organized professional development sessions with international advisors for effective curriculum integration. Additionally, participated in the transition of MAP exams from AERO standards to Common Core standards, aligning assessments with the new curricula.
- AASCA Chess Tournament: Led the proposal for a new AASCA tournament, successfully introducing Chess as a recognized sport in the Central American School tournament calendar.
- Participated in AASCA (Association of American Schools in Central America) Principal Meetings for Middle and High School divisions, collaborating with school leaders from across the region to exchange ideas and strategies in academic leadership.
- Completed the Child Protection Certificate through childprotection.com, valid until February 2027.
- Schedules design using specialized software (asctimetables.com).
- Developed comprehensive safety protocols to ensure a secure learning environment for all students and staff members.
- Established strong relationships with community organizations to enhance student learning opportunities outside the classroom.
- Coordinated college and career readiness initiatives, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their post-secondary goals.
- Created opportunities for student leadership development through clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities.
- Addressed disciplinary issues promptly and fairly, upholding a consistent standard of behavior expectations across the school community.
- Fostered partnerships with local businesses providing internships job shadowing experiences preparing students real-world success.
- Promoted character education programs that instilled values of respect, responsibility, integrity, empathy, perseverance among students.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular professional development workshops and training sessions.
- Improved school''s overall performance by implementing innovative educational programs and curricula.
- Evaluated teacher performance regularly to provide constructive feedback for continuous improvement in instruction quality.
AP Calculus AB and BC online Professor
A.S.A.A. American Straight A Academy
03.2019 - Current
- Online teacher of Advanced Calculus (AP AB and AP BC) and Algebra to students living in China or the United States whose main goal is to enter a North American University. This implies analyzing every case in order to adapt the curriculum individually.
Math, ICT Professor and Admin Committee member
Marymount School Medellín
01.2015 - 06.2022
- During my time here I have been a teacher of Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, and Arithmetics for grades 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th (11th grade is our senior year). Also in the last 2 years, I have been involved in the ICT department combining math with the use of technology, and as a Technology teacher for the Elementary school. I am also an active member of the disciplinary committee and I was also selected to be a part of the directive council (Consejo Directivo) as the teacher´s representative.
High School Math Professor/ Department Head
The Columbus School (International American School)
01.2007 - 12.2014
- Algebra and Calculus teacher and also Head of the Department of a group of 10 teachers. Along with the responsibilities of teaching and planning, we were constantly reviewing our Colombian curriculum and the American curriculum to make the adaptations needed according to the C.C.S.S. (Common Core State Standards). We also analyzed and started the implementation of the AP Curriculum during my time as the head of the department.
Math teacher and Head of Department
The New School
01.2002 - 12.2007
- Arithmetics and Algebra teacher for 8th and 9th grade. Also coordinator of the mathematics department with a permanent revision of the standards and goals given by the Ministry of Education. In this school, it was required that we designed our own materials, so I participated in the creation of the math workbooks for 7th 8th, and 9th grade.
Education
Diploma - School Leadership
Asuntos Digitales
Madrid, Spain 06.2025 - Current
Graduate Certificate - School Management And Leadership
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Boston, Massachusetts 06.2022 - 11.2023
Graduate Certificate - International School Leadership
Principals' Training Center
Miami, Florida 06.2021 - 07.2022
Diploma - Neurotechnology in Education
Politecnico De Colombia
Medellin, Colombia 01.2021 - 07.2021
Diploma - Evaluation of Educational Processes
Politecnico De Colombia
Medellin, Colombia 01.2020 - 07.2020
Diploma - Educational Management
Politecnico De Colombia
Medellin, Colombia 01.2017 - 07.2017
Diploma - Virtual Teaching
Politecnico De Colombia
Medellin, Colombia 01.2015 - 07.2015
Master of Science - Master of Science
State University of New York
Buffalo 02.2008 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Science - Ingeniero De Sistemas (Computer Systems Engineer)
Universidad De San Buenaventura
Medellin, Colombia 03.2002 - 03.2007
Diploma - Teaching Certification For Professionals
Universidad De San Buenaventura
Medellin 01.2007 - 12.2007
Skills
Student engagement
Certification
Child Protection for School Leaders
Timeline
Diploma - School Leadership
Asuntos Digitales
06.2025 - Current
Child Protection for School Leaders
02-2025
Harvard's School Management Leadership
11-2023
High School Principal
DelCampo School
07.2022 - Current
P.T.C.'s International School Leadership
06-2022
Graduate Certificate - School Management And Leadership
Harvard Graduate School of Education
06.2022 - 11.2023
Graduate Certificate - International School Leadership
Principals' Training Center
06.2021 - 07.2022
Diploma - Neurotechnology in Education
Politecnico De Colombia
01.2021 - 07.2021
Diploma - Evaluation of Educational Processes
Politecnico De Colombia
01.2020 - 07.2020
AP Calculus AB and BC online Professor
A.S.A.A. American Straight A Academy
03.2019 - Current
Diploma - Educational Management
Politecnico De Colombia
01.2017 - 07.2017
Diploma - Virtual Teaching
Politecnico De Colombia
01.2015 - 07.2015
Math, ICT Professor and Admin Committee member
Marymount School Medellín
01.2015 - 06.2022
Master of Science - Master of Science
State University of New York
02.2008 - 12.2011
Diploma - Teaching Certification For Professionals
Universidad De San Buenaventura
01.2007 - 12.2007
High School Math Professor/ Department Head
The Columbus School (International American School)
01.2007 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Ingeniero De Sistemas (Computer Systems Engineer)
Universidad De San Buenaventura
03.2002 - 03.2007
Math teacher and Head of Department
The New School
01.2002 - 12.2007
Similar Profiles
José CruzJosé Cruz
Homeroom Teacher at Vida Abundante SchoolHomeroom Teacher at Vida Abundante School
Makenzie DockstaderMakenzie Dockstader
Pet Sitter at Stephanie DelCampoPet Sitter at Stephanie DelCampo
Felipe BuenoFelipe Bueno
Guest Teacher at Snowline Joint Unified School District, Victor Valley Union High School District, Hesperia Unified School DistrictGuest Teacher at Snowline Joint Unified School District, Victor Valley Union High School District, Hesperia Unified School District
MARIO ENRIQUE MARTÍNEZ FLORESMARIO ENRIQUE MARTÍNEZ FLORES
Head Of Commercial Financing for Construction & Industrial Projects at Honduran Bank for Production and Housing (BANHPROVI)Head Of Commercial Financing for Construction & Industrial Projects at Honduran Bank for Production and Housing (BANHPROVI)
Lorena CasasolaLorena Casasola
Intake Specialist and Scheduler at Electus Management GroupIntake Specialist and Scheduler at Electus Management Group